May is Older Americans Month, a fantastic chance to clearly show our thankfulness for the older adults in our areas.

Since 1963, towns across the nation have come together to commemorate Older Americans Month—a very proud practice that shows our nation’s dedication to recognizing the contributions and achievements of aged Americans.

The topic for Older Americans Month 2012, “Never Too Old to Play…”
motivates older Americans to remain engaged, lively and interested in their own lives and in their neighborhoods.

Here are some ideas for Older American’s Month

Physical Activity

Here are some physical activity ideas:

- Wii bowling tournament. Wii bowling is a favorite physical activity among older adults, and a wonderful way to engage elders and young people in an intergenerational lesson of stimulation that supports fitness and fosters intergenerational connections.

- Miniature golf. Miniature golf is a superb form of light exercise and a good time for people of all ages. For your Day of Play give some thought to an outing to a neighborhood miniature golf course. Call in advance to check if there is a group rate or senior discount. To make this an intergenerational event ask the older adults to bring along a friend from another generation such as a child or grandchild.

-Choreographed fitness. There are a number of options for fun group exercise activities for older adults. For your Day of Play you may wish to plan training in one or more of these exercises in movement:

-Tai chi is a group activity in which participants move slowly and gently in unison. Tai chi improves balance and strength.

-Water aerobics is exactly what it sounds like. The gentle resistance of the water in a pool intensifies this low-impact aerobic workout. And exercising in a pool reduces the risk of injuries from falls.

-Yoga uses stretching and breathing to relax the mind and body, and it’s very good for circulation.

-Dancing improves balance and coordination. Plus, it’s a great creative outlet and way to meet new people.

Take care of the seniors in your life and celebrate National Older American’s Month. 

If you would like more information about how A Moments Notice Home Care can help you and your family with senior care in Juno Beach FL or the surrounding area, call our caregivers at (561) 743-7774. We provide companionship, homemaking and personal senior care services for many elderly loved ones, veterans and disabled in our community.

All across the United States, registered nurses are being honored.

On May 6, 2012, we are joining the American Nurses Association in celebrating Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring, as part of National Nurses Week, which is held May 6-12, each year. The intention ofthe week long celebration is to raise awareness of the benefit of nursing and  help with educating the community with regards to the role nurses perform in meeting the health care goals of the American people.

In tribute to the dedication, commitment, and tireless hard work of the nearly 3.1 million registered nurses nationwide to enhance and care for the health and wellness of the United States of America, the American Nurses Association is elated to recognize registered nurses everywhere on this specific day for the caregiving and high quality effort they provide seven days a week, 365 days a year.

In respect of Nursing: Advocating, Leading, Caring, all registered nurses in America are urged to proudly wear the official ANA “RN” pin or any other pin that evidently presents them as registered nurses, and/or their nurses uniform on May 6, 2012.

Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring

Typically referred to as an art and a science, nursing is a occupation that connects with special persons with various pursuits  because of the many ideas the profession affords. Nurses are caregivers, work in emergency rooms, school based clinics, and homeless shelters, amongst others. They have many assignments – from staff nurse to educator to nurse practitioner and nurse researcher – and present all of them with fondness for the industry and with a commitment to patient safety.

National Nurses Week History    

National Nurses Week starts each and every year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

These fixed dates enrich organizing and position National Nurses Week as an organized recognition celebration. As of 1998, May 8 was designated as National Student Nurses Day, to be recognized once a year. And as of 2003, National School Nurse Day is celebrated on the Wednesday within National Nurses Week (May 6-12) each year.

The nursing profession has been supported and endorsed by the American Nurses Association (ANA) since 1896.

Each of ANA’s state and territorial nurses associations promotes the nursing profession at the state and regional levels. Each conducts celebrations on these dates to recognize the contributions that nurses and nursing make to the community.

If you know a registered nurse, be sure to thank him or her for their service during National Nurses Week 2012.

If you would like more information about how A Moments Notice Home Care can help you and your family with caregivers in West Palm Beach FL or the surrounding area, call our caregivers at (561) 743-7774. We provide companionship, homemaking and personal caregiver services for many elderly loved ones, veterans and disabled in our community.

Are you providing senior care in Juno Beach, FL for your aging parent?

Here are some ways to spread the heart of gardening in your community.

Plant a Row for the Hungry at a Local Community Garden

In this land of great quantity it’s difficult to imagine lacking access to good quality food at a affordable price. Even so, for millions of Americans, acquiring a healthy meal is not always very easy. It’s estimated almost 33 million people, including 13 million children, end up with emergency food because they cannot buy the food they need.

Hold a Plant Swap at a Nearby Church

The ideal plants aren’t always from your nearby garden center or seed catalog. Rather they are obtained through quick cuttings or by getting seeds from the garden of a friend or family member. These “pass-along plants” supply both grace and feeling to your garden.

Have a Spring Cleaning Green Up Day at a Senior’s Home

Spring cleaning — indoors and out — is a ritual that marks the end of winter and the beginning of a brand new season, and like many things to do, it’s more fun when you share it. A senior’s home, your street, neighborhood, town park, and any other public space could use some greening up; it just takes someone to organize a small group.

Yard Sale Philanthropy

The coming of spring, followed up with lengthier days and higher temperatures, generates visions of green oases teeming with tomatoes and brimming with beans. Spring is also a time for cleaning out. This year, celebrate National Garden Month in an unexpected way-by visiting yard sales in search of second-hand stuff that every senior’s garden needs.

Organize a Garden Visit with Senior Friends, Over Tea!

Gardeners grow more than plants – every one of us has stories to share. For a change, why not share them in over tea? Socialization and admiration of another person’s garden brings joy to everyone.

Other suggestions for having fun with seniors in your local community:

-Organize or take part in a town beautification day.

-Visit your nearby farmers’ market.

-Flatter a neighbor on his or her garden.

-Meet up with neighbors to purchase compost and mulch in bulk quantities.

-Volunteer to plant and preserve a garden at your town library.

-Publish a gardening article or essay to your community newspaper.

-Arrange to Talk With an elder to learn what foods his or her family grew when he or she was a child.

-Seek out neighbors from differentethnic groups to study about their native cuisine and gardening techniques.

-Green up your street or a local park by picking up trash.

-Share a cutting of one of your favorite landscape or houseplants with a senior neighbor.

-Inventory your gardening gear (e.g., pots, seeds, stakes) and give away the excess to a neighborhood gardening program, assisted living facility or school garden.

-Celebrate other important “green” holidays: Earth Day (April 22) and National Arbor Day (April 26).

-Volunteer at your local school’s garden.

-Volunteer at a local senior center’s garden.

-Start a neighborhood garden club.

-Share your garden’s bounty with a senior neighbor.

-Have fun doing a gardening project with a senior.

-Deliver houseplants or flowers to a nursing home, assisted living or children’s hospital.

-Donate past issues of gardening magazines to your library, or buy the library a gift subscription.

If you would like more information about how A Moments Notice Home Care can help you and your family with senior care in Juno Beach FL or the surrounding area, call our caregivers at (561) 743-7774. We provide companionship, homemaking and personal senior care services for many elderly loved ones, veterans and disabled in our community.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) follows the same mold as a group of ailments called motor system disorders, which are the outcome of the reduction in dopamine-producing brain cells.

The four principal symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination.

As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulties walking, talking, or completing other simple chores.

Parkinson’s Disease usually impairs people over the age of 50.  Beginning indicators of Parkinson’s Disease are subtle and occur progressively.  In some some people the disease advances more rapidly than in others.

As the disease moves forward, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to hamper with routine.  Other signs and symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions.

There are presently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to assist in diagnosing sporadic PD.  Therefore the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination.

The disease can be tough to diagnose correctly.   Medical professionals may sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other diseases.

Is there any cure?
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but a variety of medications supply spectacular remedy from the symptoms.

Homecare and Treatment
In early stages, Parkinson’s disease may not significantly bother your life. But for a lot of people, the disease becomes more disabling over the course of time. Homecare can aid patients as they adapt, and as the disease advances. This after all, aids them to stay self-sufficient for as long as possible. The good quality of their life may be based in part on their ability to keep on working, take care of a home, care for their family, and remain independent. They may want customizable devices such as canes or walkers as the disease takes its toll.

Aspects of  Homecare that are essential for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease include:

• Altering their tasks and their house, for instance simplifying their routine and modifying the placement of furniture so that they can keep hold of something as they navigate around the residence.

• Eating healthy foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, poultry, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.

• Exercising and doing physical therapy, which have benefits in both early and advanced stages of  the illness.

• Dealing with tremor, which may include putting a little weight on the hand to help reduce tremor and restore control.

• Improving speech quality by working with a speech therapist (also called a speech-language pathologist).

• Reducing problems with eating and drooling by changing how and what they eat.

• Dealing with “freezing” by various means, such as stepping towards a specific target on the ground.

• Dealing with depression. If they are feeling sad or depressed, ask a friend or family member for help. If these feelings don’t go away, or if they get worse, talk to their doctor. He or she may be able to suggest someone for you to talk to or give them medicine that will help.

• Coping with dementia. Dementia is common late in Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms may include confusion and memory loss. If a family member notices that they are confused a lot or have trouble thinking clearly, talk to their doctor. There are medicines that can help dementia in people with Parkinson’s disease.

If you would like more information about how A Moments Notice Home Care can help you and your family with homecare in Jupiter FL or the surrounding area, call our caregivers at (561) 743-7774. We provide companionship, homemaking and personal homecare services for many elderly loved ones, veterans and disabled in our community.

Occupational therapy enables individuals of all ages to enjoy life by supporting them to encourage health, prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. It is a practice that revolves around science and is evidence-based, meaning that the plan designed for each individual is supported by data, experience, and “best practices” that have been developed and established over time.

If a senior in your life is receiving home care services, you might also consider asking their physician about Occupational Therapy services that are often covered by Medicare.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants focus on “doing” whatever occupations or activities are vital to the individual. It is occupational therapy’s purpose to get over troubles to the answers that ensure living life to its fullest. These remedies may be modifications for how to do a task, changes to the surroundings, or aiding people to adjust their own behaviors.

When using the services of an occupational therapy practitioner, systems and changes are customized for each individual to resolve challenges, boost function, and help everyday living routines. The purpose is to maximize potential. Through these therapeutic approaches, occupational therapy aids men and women design their lives, produce needed skills, adjust their environments (e,g., home, school, or work) and build health-promoting habits and programs that will allow them to thrive.

By obtaining the full picture into account—a person’s psychological, physical, emotional, and social makeup as well as their environment—occupational therapy assists clients to do the following:

• Meet goals
• Function at the highest possible level
• Center on what matters most to them
• Keep or rebuild their independence
• Participate in daily activities that they need or want to do.

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the interests and concerns of more than 140,000 occupational therapists, assistants and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.

If you would like more information about how A Moments Notice Home Care can help you and your family with home care in West Palm Beach or the surrounding area, call our caregivers at (561) 743-7774. We provide companionship, homemaking and personal home care services for many elderly loved ones, veterans and disabled in our community.

(ARA) – For some people, spring signifies the budding of flowers and longer days filled with warm sunshine. But for  1 in 5 individuals, spring also indicates allergies are in full swing.

Seasonal allergies, also referred to as allergic rhinitis, cause cold-like signs and symptoms including itchiness in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes and ears, along with watery eyes, runny nose, congestion and sneezing. But unlike a cold, allergies aren’t precipitated by a virus; they are caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as mold, trees, pollen and pet dander.

Allergies, which impact an estimated 60 million people in the United States both young and old, can truly have its effects on your daily regimen, and they are a hassle both in daily life and professionally. Regardless if you’re influenced year-round or during a specific season, discovering how to control allergy symptoms can be vital to restoring your comfort and total well being.

This disorder can also be costly to control . From 2000 to 2005, the expense of treating allergic rhinitis nearly doubled from $6.1 billion to $11.2 billion, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. nearly all of that was expended on prescription and over-the-counter medications. Experts endorse patients buy store-brand, over-the-counter medicines as an useful means of handling both the allergy ailment and its linked expenses.

“There are a number of very effective over-the-counter treatments to address the symptoms of seasonal allergies,” says Dr. William Berger, professor of allergy and immunology at the University of California, Irvine. “In fact, to help patients save money, I would recommend many of the store-brand, non-sedating antihistamines sold at leading retailers and pharmacies, such as Cetirizine or Loratadine. These products are approved by the FDA, but cost significantly less than the brand names.”

According to Berger, several allergy sufferers might discover greater relief of their symptoms by trying one of these newer, far better treatments now readily available in the aisle, like Fexofenadine, which just switched from prescription to over-the-counter in 2011.

“Effective management with medicines, ideally before the allergy symptoms start, is key,” he says.

When an aging loved one requires elder care, know of the interactions between over-the-counter medications and the elderly person’s prescription drugs.

You may think that over-the-counter (OTC) medications are always safe. But if you are  a senior  and additionally taking prescription medications, this kind of believing can get you into some problems.

“The average number of prescription medications taken by people over 65 is five or six,” says Michael H. Perskin, MD, an assistant professor of medicine and an internist at the New York University Langone Medical Center. “As you get older, it increases and so does the potential for drug interactions.”

So how can you find effective and risk-free remedy from arthritis and other pain, and cold or allergy symptoms? “When in doubt, ask your pharmacist,” Perskin says. “If you have taken the medication before, it’s probably OK. But if it’s new or your other medication regimen has changed, check it out.”

You can find more information about the indicators and treatments for allergic rhinitis at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (www.aaaai.org), or the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (www.acaai.org).

If you would like more information about how A Moments Notice Home Care can help you and your family with elder care in Juno Beach FL or the surrounding area, call our caregivers at (561) 743-7774. We provide companionship, homemaking and personal elder care services for many seniors, veterans and disabled in our community.

A number of states are now requiring driving tests for older people or for folks who have been in three or more mishaps in one year, mandatory. This is because elderly drivers are more vulnerable to either being injured or killed. Statistically, senior citizens are more often in perilous or fatal wrecks than any other ages. The only way to efficiently be certain that the unsafe drivers are off the roads is for them to be mandated to take a test to see who should and who shouldn’t be driving. Several see this as inequity, while other folks see it as a comfort and a way to know that their loved one will be safe while on the road. Most people, especially those with elderly family members, are already mindful of the probable risks.

A nice alternative for keeping your aging parent or loved one safe is to use a home care agency that offers transportation. Home care agencies not only make available transportation but most importantly they provide the prospect for people to keep their independence. This also avoids seclusion and allows them to continue to get around to their own doctor appointments as well as run their own errands.

There are actually a variety of completely different ways to find out how to get assistance in your community. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging. If they do not offer transportation, they can help you learn more about your options in order to find  a home care agency who does. There are also door-to-door services in most areas and driver volunteers. The door-to-door service do require you to call and give them notice on what your plans are but this may offer the most flexibility.

However, if you are interested in paying a fee for each designated stop you should ask about a fixed route. The fees charged are discounted at senior citizen rates and in some cases are actually free. The option available with driver volunteers usually is a great option for people who need to be taken to a specific place at certain times such as doctor appointments or senior centers. For more information you can call the National Transit Hotline Toll Free at 1-800-527-8279, they can provide you with a list of local home care agencies that can help you find the right alternative to fit your specific needs.

If you would like more information about how A Moments Notice Home Care can help you and your family with home care in West Palm Beach or the surrounding area, call our caregivers at (561) 743-7774. We provide companionship, homemaking and personal home care services for many elderly loved ones, veterans and disabled in our community.

When a senior can not move through their own home safely, it may be the perfect time to employ a caregiver. They can offer safety, relaxation, care and support and trustworthiness, all from the comforts of the seniors own home. This can also relieve any stress and anxiety the rest of the family could be feeling. Here are some positive aspects to hiring a caregiver.

Caregivers appointed through an agency are pre-trained, screened and in case they call in sick, a back-up will be available to fill in. They are trained to be knowledgeable of potential hazards and safety concerns with regard to medication, falls and aid in daily activities.

Identifying possible risks is crucial and ought to be at the top of the list when it comes to senior care. A caregiver must be able to check up on the recipient daily to make sure everything is in order and if there are any medications that need to be taken, it’s done so promptly. They will also have the ability to ensure that there aren’t any fallen objects or tripping hazards lying around your home that could cause a safety issue. CPR and first aid is also a requirement for a companion in this field and will be an asset in case an emergency arises.

Performing daily chores can become a complicated feat for some seniors. Tasks like changing light bulbs, getting the mail in icy weather, grocery shopping, cleaning, and meal preparation can all be tough. Finding the ideal companion will give the care recipient and the family peace of mind that they can still live in their own household, yet have guidance in carrying out these jobs that they can not do independently.

A professional will also be able to help in personal care needs. These may include toilet help, bathing, dressing and aiding in their mobility. Companions can also deliver companionship to seniors living on their own. It’s easy to be doing the easiest of chores and have an accident. By having a companion offer ongoing daily care, the recipient will feel at ease and feel less emotional stress knowing that an individual is looking out for their best interests and making them their top priority.

Caregivers are trained and know precisely what to look for and take care of to be sure your loved ones are safe, secure and provided with only the best care.

The caregivers at A Moments Notice Home Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs.  A Moments Notice Home Care is a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregivers in Jupiter, FL and the surrounding communities. Call us at (561) 743-7774 for more information.

True, your companion will not be present 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but that is fine. You can obtain your scheduled medication reminders through an automated system, which is a phone call that will be made at preset times. This means that you do not have to be concerned about being hounded with calls throughout the day, and you do not have to worry about carrying on a conversation when the calls are made, considering that the calls will not be made by a live representative. Instead, the computerized voice can either tell you your medications or ask you if you are feeling well. If the answer is yes, you will be instructed to push number one; if the answer is no, you will be instructed to push number two.

Apart from getting medication reminders and phone calls on how you are feeling, you are going to receive the amount of care that is needed to keep you healthy and alert. That is why, you can rest comfortably at night, knowing that your medications are taken and that you are being taken care of.

If you would like more information about how A Moments Notice Home Care can help you and your family with home care in Palm Beach Gardens FL, or the surrounding area, call our caregivers at (561) 743-7774. We provide companionship, homemaking and personal home care services for many elderly loved ones, veterans and disabled in our community.

For older adults this can be harmful, as it could cause low blood sugars, low blood pressure, fainting, and falls. Homecare for our elderly is one of the best ways to handle these problems. Homecare provides your loved ones support with light meal preparation, always being careful to make adjustments for each individuals specific nutritional requirements. Frequently elderly people may have trouble swallowing, therefore homecare agencies even provide them with texture modified diets or thickened liquids to assist them in consuming their food.

Homecare is a specific option, as it makes it possible for the senior person to live in their own home and  get care, encouraging them to sustain a sense of dignity and independence. Homecare also provides them experienced supervised support, as well the benefit of having some extra caregivers around occasionally. Numerous homecare companions develop long lasting friendships with their patrons.

Periodically, the person may have to come to grips with not being capable to feed themselves. This can be an very difficult  as an older person, because feeding yourself is one of the most instinctual functions that we have. Homecare providers understand that feeling of loss of independence. Home care aides also can help with grocery shopping and meal planning, if there is a need for it. That’s why homecare aides take the time, and give more effort for making mealtime exceptional. Despite the valid reason why an individual may need home care, whether they be disabled or elderly a fantastic homecare agency delivers answers to some of the most troublesome problems a elderly person has to overcome.

If you would like more information about how A Moments Notice Home Care can help you and your family with homecare in Jupiter FL or the surrounding area, call our caregivers at (561) 743-7774. We provide companionship, homemaking and personal homecare services for many elderly loved ones, veterans and disabled in our community.